Round up of Equine News - Guest blog.
Pony Chit Chat got in touch with me last week to see if I would write a guest blog for them - about anything I thought worth a read. Of course, what better to discuss than the recent outbreak of Equine Herpes and horsemeat found in lasagne!
With the recent outbreak of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV 1) and the news that ready meals have been found with traces of horse meat in, it has been a frightening week for horse owners across the country.
Equine Herpes Virus (EHV 1)
The British Horse Society (BHS) announced this week that two horses in Gloucestershire have been shown to have the neurological form of the disease and one the respiratory form. Other horses have also been reported to be showing signs, but as of yet have not been diagnosed.
Whilst EHV 1 is not a disease deemed legally notifiable, it is still contagious and in serious neurological cases can lead to paralysis. Affected horses can pass this disease through respiratory transmission as well as contaminated clothing and equipment.
The BHS have released this information in an attempt to provide a short refresher on EHV 1 and its signs. For the majority across the country this information will be precautionary but it is recommended that if you think your horse has been in contact with or near the horses infected then you should seek immediate veterinary advice.
Signs:
- A high temperature is one of the most prominent and key factors when recognising your horse has an underlying disease or infection. It is recommended that you keep a close eye on your horses temperature if you think they may be at risk.
- Affected horses will also tend to be disinterested in their food.
- Coughing and nasal discharge is also a common symptom.
- Horses affected by the neurological form of this awful disease may also seem “wobbly” and/or disoriented.
Anyone with any concerns should contact their vet immediately whom will be able to offer suitable advice.
The BHS is part of the group that produces the HBLB Codes of Practice. There is much helpful information about EHV in the Codes which you can access here.
If anyone has any further concerns about EHV or would like more information, please contact the BHS Welfare Team on 02476 840517 or email welfare@bhs.org.uk
Horsemeat found in ready meals - Just what can we eat nowadays?
Over a decade ago, people all over the country went in to shock over the mad cows disease revelation. Some even declared they would never eat beef again.
In January of this year almost ten million burgers were removed from shelves of various supermarkets after it was found roughly 29% of the “beef burger” contained horse meat.
A mere few weeks later it has been revealed that some beef lasagnes sold in shops are found to contain up to 100% horsemeat.
Whilst this shocking discovery initially poses no threat to human health because horsemeat is a common cuisine in many European countries, questions do remain about the consumption in the UK due to traces of bute found.
Phenylbutazone, most commonly known here as “bute” is a drug given to horses to relieve pain, treat fevers and reduce swelling. Bute, which was at one stage given to humans to tackle serious cases of gout and arthritis has since been found to have serious side effects if consumed. As a result of this, Phenylbutazone was banned as a medication for humans by drug companies many years ago.
Whilst we can all rest assured in knowing that the Food Standards Agency are doing all they can to rectify this current situation it doesn’t stop the general public in panicking about what they can and cannot eat.
If you have been put off meat since the outbreak of this story then comment below or tweet me @FurryMane.
I made the transition to veggie about six months ago, and I'm so glad I did! Despite not eating meat, however, I still feel wary buying any kind of ready meal - if they'vd put horse meat instead of beef, what's to say that their veggie meals really are just that?
ReplyDeleteFair comment Laura, I think everyone or at least most people will question just what they are eating now. I'm not sure whether non-horse lovers will be so bothered, but that's only because they won't see horses as pets. I love meat so I won't stop eating it but will now be careful where I buy my meat from - thank goodness mum shops at the local butchers 99.9% of the time! I don't eat ready meals anyway but have done in the past. Is worrying.
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